Case Studies...
Below are our articles on the subject of Case Studies. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
A Home from Home: House Swaps
If you are the kind of person who likes to explore different countries and cultures and enjoys being part of the community they are holidaying in, Home Exchange could be for you. The stress of owning ...
Being a Landlord
This article discusses some of the different aspects of being a landlord, including renting out your own home, property management companies and legal issues of being a landlord....
Benefits of Owning A Second Home
This article looks at the financial, tax and lifestyle benefits of owning a second home....
Bricks and Mortar Vs Mobile Home
If you’re concerned that the expense of owning a second home will financially limit your travel options considerably, buying a residential sited mobile home could provide you with a more flexible seco...
Buying A Holiday Home
This article looks at some of the benefits and issues to consider when you buy a holiday home....
Buying a Second Home Abroad
This article looks at some of the considerations you should make when deciding to buy a second home abroad....
Buying Abroad: What to Consider
Buying a property abroad has never been a more attractive option. Guaranteed better weather is high on the list of reasons for many people. Carefully considering the reasons why you are attracted to b...
Buying an Investment Property
This article discusses some important points to consider when buying an investment property and addresses some of the issues surrounding the purchase of a second home for investment purposes....
Buying with an Offshore Company to Save Money
This article looks at the positive and negative aspects of buying a home with an offshore company...
Can I Get a 100% Mortgage for My Holiday Home?
One lasting impact of the credit crunch is that 100% mortgages are no longer widely available, but there are still some European destinations where this is not the case....
Can I Live Part Time in Two Properties?
It's not uncommon for someone to own and live in two homes and, while there's no law against it, there are financial implications to consider....
Can I Rent Out a Second Home Abroad?
A second home doesn’t just have to be for your own enjoyment, many people are starting to rent out their second homes abroad to earn some extra cash....
Can I Rent Out My Second Home While I Build a New One?
Building a second home can be expensive and sometimes it can benefit you financially to take in a lodger or rent out your first home, this also has drawbacks though....
Can I Share My Second Home Mortgage With a Friend?
Friends and business don’t always mix, so it is important you weigh up the pros and cons of buying a second home with a friend....
Can I Switch Second Home Mortgage to Buy-to-let?
If your second home is lying empty for a long period of time it might be lucrative to consider turning it into a buy-to-let property....
Can You Afford to Buy a Second Home?
Investing in a second home is a big decision, it will affect you, your family and your finances, these few questions should help you to assess whether you are ready....
Cleaning, Maintenance and Security of Your Second Home
This article looks at some choices you face when it comes to cleaning, maintaining and securing your second home....
Costs Involved in Owning a Canal Boat
Canal boats are an exciting and fun way to create a home away from home, but there will be a number of costs along the way....
Different Building Regulations When Renovating Abroad
The idea of renovating a traditional home in a warmer part of the world than the UK is attractive to many people but the res-tinted glasses need to come off when assessing the real work involved and t...
Dividing Your Time Between Homes: A Case Study
Trying to divide your time between two homes can be stressful: this case study looks at the challenges that faced one couple....
Does My Canal Boat Count as a Second Home?
Canal boats are popular with those that like the idea of exploring but they can also be a lot of hard work if you plan to live on the boat permanently....
Financing a Second Home: A Case Study
Buying a second home abroad can be an exciting experience, this case study looks at what one couple experienced when trying to finance their second home abroad....
Finding the Right Area for a Second Home: A Case Study
There are lots of things to take into consideration when choosing the right location for your second home. This case study follows one couples hunt for their perfect property....
Getting a Loan for a Second Home
This article addresses some of the issues you may face when applying for a loan for your second home....
Holiday Base Vs Rental Opportunity
Owning a second home comes with a list of pros and cons. Do you rent out the property and enjoy the extra income generated, by perhaps holidaying somewhere different each year? Or would you rather adm...
Home Insurance For Your Holiday Home
Explains essentials when considering home insurance for your holiday home...
How Much Can I Borrow for a Second Home?
Applying for a second mortgage means double the risk for a mortgage lender so you will have to prove you are a good investment before they hand over the cash....
How To Buy Property with a Good Re-Sell Value
Having a defined budget and clear business plan will enable you to find property that you can enjoy as a home, second home or Buy-to-Let, and then re-sell to provide a sizeable profit. Being aware of ...
How to Successfully Market Your Property for Rental
This article suggests some successful marketing tips when you're trying to rent out your property....
How Will Capital Gains Tax Affect My Second Home?
Capital Gains Tax can make a large dent in any profit you make from a second home, and recent changes to the tax could dent your profit further....
How Will FSA Regulation of Buy-to-Let Affect My Home?
The regulation of buy-to-let mortgages is designed to cut down on amateur landlords, this could mean you if you are planning to rent out your holiday home....
I Earned Money from My Second Home: A Case Study
The expense of owning a second home can sometimes be too much for some people. We take look at how your property can be used to recoup some costs back....
I Released Money from My UK Home to Buy Abroad: A Case Study
You may not realise that you’re already sitting on a substantial deposit for a second home, this article looks at how one couple used their property’s equity for a second home....
I Use Bridging Finance for My Second Home?
Bridging finance is one method you can use to find a deposit for your second home, but it is not for everybody....
Inheritance Tax and Second Homes
This article discusses some of the issues second home owners face through the payment or possible payment of inheritance tax....
Is It a Good Time to Buy a Second Home Abroad?
More people than ever now own a second home, either in the UK or at a favourite holiday destination. No longer is owning a holiday home seen as a luxury that only the seriously wealthy can afford. An ...
Is it Harder to Get a Second Mortgage Compared to First?
A second home is a big financial commitment and before you can get a second mortgage you will have to make sure you can afford it....
Is it Wise to Buy in your Favourite Holiday Destination?
Like many people you may have a favourite holiday destination you, and your family, visit year after year after year. Is buying a second home in this location the perfect option? Or is looking elsewhe...
Is My Second Home a Good Investment?
What you see as a good investment property may differ from what others do, but there are some key features that make any property a good investment....
Is Property A Good Investment?
Investing in houses has always been seen as offering a healthy return, but since the credit crunch hit, property is no longer seen as the investment it once was....
Keeping Up with the Neighbours
Keeping up with the Joneses could be a thing of the past, if you aim to foster a good relationship with those living in close proximity to you. Learning to accept local customs, especially if your sec...
Legal Costs of Your Second Home
This article looks at some of the legal costs involved in buying a second home. It will address survey costs, solicitors fees and more....
Letting a Property in France: What are the Tax Implications?
There are tax implications for UK residents who rent out their second homes in France but the double tax treaty between both countries means that tax can be offset....
Local Rental Market
This article outlines some of the key areas you should investigate and research when choosing where to buy a second home....
Local Tax Implications
This article addresses some of the important tax implications of owning a second home....
Our House Swap Experience: A Case Study
House swapping is a great way to save money and see the world; this case study follows the adventures of one couple as they embark on a house swap....
Planning Ahead When Buying A Second Home
This article outlines some basic planning to carry out in both the short term and long term periods of buying a second home....
Questionnaire: Are You Ready for an Overseas Buy-to-let?
Taking the leap and buying a buy-to-let property abroad can pay off, but you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared; these few questions should help you make your mind up....
Questionnaire: Can I Buy My Second Home for Children?
More parents are starting to help their children get on the property ladder by investing in a second home for them....
Questionnaire: Can I Use My First Property as Equity?
You may be sitting on a large chunk of equity in your first property which could help you buy your second home....
Refurbishing a Property Abroad: A Case Study
Undertaking a refurbishment project abroad can be challenging work, this article explores the experience of one couple renovating a property in France....
Renovating your Second Home
Getting a renovation project completed within budget and in a specific amount of time can usually be guaranteed to add stress to your life. If the project involves your second home, and another countr...
Renting Out Your Second Home
This article addresses some of the most important decisions you must make when renting out your second home....
Second Home For Daughter: Charge Rent Or Shared Ownership?
A look at the benefits of buying a home for a family member to rent, compared to letting them taking out a shared ownership mortgage....
Second Homes and the Leaseback Option
This article looks at the attractive prospect of buying a second home in France through the leaseback option....
Should I Take Out the Mortgage in the Local Currency?
Deciding whether to take out a mortgage in sterling or the local currency can be tricky, these few questions should help you decide which option is best for you....
Tax Breaks When Owning A Second Home
This article looks at some of the current and upcoming tax breaks available for second home owners....
Tax Tips for Buying a Second Property
You should treat your second home the same as you would your first and make sure you are familiar with all the tax liabilities you could face....
The Facts: How Popular Are Second Homes?
A look at the facts and figures surrounding the number of people that are branching out and buying a second home....
The Facts: Where People Are Buying Second Homes
A look at where the most popular places are to buy a second home, both in and outside the UK....
The Pros and Cons of Owning Property to Let
For many individuals a second home is not only a comfortable, seasonal retreat. Owning a second property can potentially be a means of earning a regular rental income. Buying-to-let can provide attrac...
Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying
You have decided to take the plunge and invest in the purchase of a second home. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with the laws and restrictions may seem like an unnecessary indulgence. If your...
Top 5 Tips: How to Make Your Home Look Good
A smart, presentable home not only looks good and feels comfortable, but also increases the perceived value, in the eyes of a potential buyer, or tenant. Keeping your home in tip-top condition throug...
Top Ten Places to Buy a Second Home
This article describes ten of the best places to currently buy a second home abroad....
Travelling to Your Second Home and the Costs Involved
This article outlines some of the issues with travel costs associated with owning a second home....
Types of Mortgages
This article discusses some of the choices of mortgage available when buying a second home....
Using a Letting Agency
This article addresses some of the most important questions you should consider when using a letting agency or property management company to rent out your second home....
We Let Out Our Holiday Home: A Case Study
Choosing to rent out your holiday home is a big decision, but something that could be financially rewarding....
We Released Equity from Our Spanish Home: A Case Study
It can be tempting to dip into the equity in your UK property to finance an overseas property, we take a look at one couple’s experience of doing just that....
What Mortgage Do I Need to Buy a Home for My Parents?
Buying a home for your parents if a lovely way to thank them for all their hard work, but you will need the correct mortgage or it could have tax implications....
Where Are the Best Places For Quality of Life?
Your idea of what constitutes a good life may differ from your neighbour’s, but there are some countries that always come out on top in terms of what they can offer....
Will I Benefit from the 2010 Budget Changes to Holiday Homes?
Holiday homeowners are lucky enough to have had some tax benefits reinstated in the Emergency Budget 2010 which should make things easier....
Will Owning a Second Home Affect My Benefits?
Owning a second home has its advantages but it can also be a hindrance when it comes to claiming certain benefits....